One of the coolest experiences I have had in my life was when my wife and I visited the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. The cave system is the largest known cave system in the world. It is known for how long it is, but also how big some of the caverns are in the cave system. Some of the caverns are over a hundred feet tall. Years ago, we took a guided tour through the caves. They have a lighting system so you can see where you're going. Our group made it to a huge cavern inside the caves. It was incredible to look around and see how vast the cavern was. Next, our tour guide told the group that he was going to shut the lights off. He said it would be complete darkness, and that you would not even be able to see the person in front of you, and that you would lose the sense of your surroundings quickly. I heard him but I did not completely believe him. I knew that I had been in some dark places before, but you can still see some things and silhouettes of objects. He proceeded to tell the group to sit down so we didn't fall or get hurt. I still didn't believe him at this point. Then the lights went out—it was complete darkness! I could not see anything anymore, even my wife who was just a foot in front of me. I was in shock at how dark it truly was. I proceeded to put my hand in front of my face, and I still could not even make out the silhouette of my hand! Complete darkness. It was a very cool but also somewhat terrifying experience. I immediately thought of how frightening it would be to be in the caves with no light at all. You would have no sense of direction.
After a minute or so, the tour guide said that he was going to light a match and asked the group if we thought it would give off much light. We all thought it wouldn't help much because of how dark the cavern was. Once he lit the match, you could see the entire cavern! I couldn't believe it! The overwhelming darkness could not contain the light. Even just one tiny match was able to pierce through the complete darkness. It was one of my favorite experiences ever, and I was able to get an awesome illustration when it comes to light vs darkness that we see often in the Bible. The light always wins, and cannot be contained by the darkness!
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
In Matthew 5, we see that we are not supposed to hide the light that is within us – it is the light that comes from God. Oftentimes, we can have the temptation to hide the light of Christ within us. We can be afraid of what others may think or judge. We don't fit into this world when we let the light shine instead of our darkness. We are called to be set apart and to let the world see God in us. This is in no way to show that we are great by any means, but instead to show God through our words and actions. Let the light of God shine through you to the world! Even a little bit of light pierces through the darkness! Be a light for others to see!
After a minute or so, the tour guide said that he was going to light a match and asked the group if we thought it would give off much light. We all thought it wouldn't help much because of how dark the cavern was. Once he lit the match, you could see the entire cavern! I couldn't believe it! The overwhelming darkness could not contain the light. Even just one tiny match was able to pierce through the complete darkness. It was one of my favorite experiences ever, and I was able to get an awesome illustration when it comes to light vs darkness that we see often in the Bible. The light always wins, and cannot be contained by the darkness!
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
In Matthew 5, we see that we are not supposed to hide the light that is within us – it is the light that comes from God. Oftentimes, we can have the temptation to hide the light of Christ within us. We can be afraid of what others may think or judge. We don't fit into this world when we let the light shine instead of our darkness. We are called to be set apart and to let the world see God in us. This is in no way to show that we are great by any means, but instead to show God through our words and actions. Let the light of God shine through you to the world! Even a little bit of light pierces through the darkness! Be a light for others to see!